New Canaan's Allen commits to Northwestern football

Scott Ericson

Published 5:27 pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Being a 6-foot-6, 240-pound All-FCIAC and second- team All-State linebacker as a junior, it stands to reason that New Canaan's Zach Allen had his fair share of college suitors.

Allen had been carefully weighing his options, but a trip to Northwestern's campus in Evanston, Ill., last weekend was all Allen needed to make his decision.

Allen has verbally committed to attend and play football at Northwestern beginning in the fall of 2015.

Allen was considering Boston College, UConn, Syracuse and UMass, among others, but the football program, coaches and academics offered at Northwestern sealed the deal for him.

"What they offer a player is just awesome. They turn you into a football player," Allen said. "Coach (Pat) Fitzgerald and (Marty) Long have been great through the whole process. I went on a visit with my dad last weekend and came out loving it and decided that's where I wanted to go."

Allen -- a member of the Hearst Connecticut Super 33 team -- made 81 tackles with 11 1/2 sacks and one interception for the FCIAC and Class L champion Rams, returning a fumble for a touchdown against Darien on Thanksgiving.

Allen is also an excellent student, carrying a 4.0 GPA and being accepted at several Ivy League schools strictly on his academic success.

Northwestern is ranked as the No. 12 college in the country by U.S. New and World Reports.

New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli,said Allen was born with the gift of size and speed but works hard both at football and school.

"He is a great example of a kid that does his work academically and that has given him a lot of options," Marinelli said. "He is a very hard worker. In fact, I bet you he'll be at Blue Streak right now working out. That's his M.O., he's always trying to get better."

The last New Canaan player to go to the Big 10 for football was Dan Cantrell at Michigan State in 1991.

Allen plays linebacker and tight end for the Rams, but Northwestern envisions him on the defensive line because of his speed and length.

"I'm only 16 and will only be 17 when I graduate so the coaches think I still have some growing to do and defensive end will be the best fit," Allen said. "I was always an offensive lineman as a kid, but when I got to high school they moved me to outside linebacker."

Northwestern football has been in the news quite a bit lately, as its players have won the right to unionize. A players' vote is scheduled for April 25.

Allen said playing for coach Marinelli and defensive coordinator Bill Kurtz helped him learn the position and shape him into the player he has become.

"Coach Marinelli taught me a great amount. Coach Kurtz is the best and helped me become the best player I can be," Allen said. "Coming in as a sophomore, they helped me come along as a player. All the coaches at New Canaan have helped me in some way and help keep me humble."